DCH highlights housing crisis

Staff and customers at DCH, the South West’s largest housing association,showed their support in Exeter City Centre, Princesshay Square as part of the nationwide campaign to end the housing crisis within a generation.

From Lands’ End to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the North East, the Relay to the Rally sees buses, bikes, running shoes and walking boots hit the road to Westminster in time for the Homes for Britain rally on 17th March.

DCH hosted a public awareness event in, Princesshay Square yesterday, speaking to over 100 people who pledged their support for the campaign by signing the Homes for Britain petition which will be taken to Westminster with them, bringing DCH’s total signatures to well over 200.

Betsy the big red London bus had prime position in Exeter city centre where Paul Crawford Group Chief Executive at DCH was handed the giant key baton by Martyn Gimber North Devon Homes Chief Executive.

The people of Exeter shared their housing stories with staff and learnt more about what they could do to make a difference; one lady had made a special trip to sign the petition after hearing about the campaign through local media as she herself was a victim of the housing crisis.

Homes for Britain is campaigning for the next government to come up with a long-term plan to tackle the housing crisis within a year of getting into office. It is being backed by thousands of people up and down the country who have joined forces with organisations from every corner of the housing world.

Paul Crawford Group Chief Executive at DCH said: “We were delighted to be in a prime position in Exeter City Centre to raise awareness of the housing crisis. As the leading provider and developer of affordable homes in the south west DCH is supporting the Homes for Britain campaign to ‘end the housing crisis within a generation.

"We recognise there is a significant supply and demand issue across the region. The National Housing Federation has recently highlighted that across the UK to keep pace with demand for housing around 240,000 homes should be built every year. In the south west DCH is a key player in delivering new homes of all tenures, helping to address the housing supply needs of our region.

"DCH built over 650 new homes in 2014/5 and over the next 5 years has a pipeline development plan of a total of 3,500 homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and outright sale. In a region where house prices are around 12 times average incomes, new affordable homes are as crucial as ever.”

Across the UK, housing association staff, residents and members of the public are making their way to the Homes for Britain rally. Taking place in the heart of Westminster, thousands of people will come together for the biggest housing rally in a generation. They will unite to call on all political parties to take bold action and end the housing crisis within a generation.

Homes for Britain’s call comes at a time when housing demand vastly outstrip supply at both a national and local level. Meanwhile, some areas are in desperate need of regeneration and jobs, and having the right types of homes in the right places can play a vital role in sparking new life into these communities.

Jenny Allen, External Affairs Manager at the National Housing Federation said: “We are delighted that DCH is backing Homes for Britain. By taking the housing crisis to the heart of Westminster, DCH is highlighting the need to end the housing crisis within a generation. The next government needs to commit to a long-term plan – one that sets out how everyone can have access to the home they need at a price they can afford.”

We want people from all walks of life to add their voice, so get involved - write to local politicians, tell your friends and family, and tweet us using #HomesForBritain.”